Surf for More Math

Lesson 5 - Measuring the Perimeter of a Rectangle

Use these interactive activities to encourage students to have fun on the Web while learning about measuring the perimeter of a rectangle. Students can try these activities on their own or in pairs.

Goal

Develop and use a rule to calculate the perimeter of a rectangle.

Builds Upon

Student Book pages 138-140

Instructions for Use

Touch Pegs lets students investigate the perimeter of a rectangle.

To use Touch Pegs, click the "Clear" button. Select a blue band under "Bands" then drag it to any location on the grid. Release the band to anchor it. A red node appears at the top of the band. Click on any part of the band and drag it in any direction. It will stretch like a rubber band. Release the band to secure it to a point on the grid. Secure the band to other points on the grid to form a shape.

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To colour the area inside the shape, click on the shape's outline and then click one of the colour buttons to the left of the grid.

Calculate the perimeter of the shape you created. Click the "Measures" button to check your answer. Click on the "Clear" button to start the exercise over again.

Your Back Yard allows students to investigate the perimeter of rectangles in relation to their length and width.

To use Your Back Yard, click the radio button beside "Play". Enter the length of a rectangle into the text box beside "L" and the width into the text box beside "W". Press the "Enter" key. The diagram changes to reflect the measurements entered. The box below the diagram shows you how to calculate the perimeter.